Federal Grant Award Summary

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) awarded the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services $59.8 million through the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126) for the period October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. This formula grant supports Oklahoma's comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (VR) program designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide VR services to individuals with disabilities. The funding enables the state VR agency to deliver employment-focused services and support individuals with disabilities in achieving greater independence and competitive employment outcomes consistent with their strengths, priorities, and informed choice.

As a designated state VR agency, the Department of Rehabilitation Services administers these federal funds through its approved VR services portion of Oklahoma's Unified State Plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The grant supports the state's obligation to maintain comprehensive VR programming, including case management, vocational assessment, training, job placement, and related services. The Department of Rehabilitation Services' Business Enterprises Program and Visual Services Division leverage this funding to create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for individuals with vision impairments, while ensuring accountability through required state plan submissions, financial reporting, and compliance with federal VR regulations and the Uniform Guidance.